Futures Group develops and delivers innovative, locally relevant, evidence-based solutions to improve the health and well-being of people around the world. Since 1971, we have assisted governmental and non-governmental agencies, foundations, and the private sector by designing, implementing and evaluating programs in HIV/AIDS, sexual and reproductive health, population and family planning, maternal and child health, infectious diseases, and gender. Futures Group has deep expertise in policy and advocacy, research and strategic information, health markets and private sector engagement, modeling and economic analysis, patient monitoring and management/HMIS, strategic consulting, and program management.

Position Summary

We are seeking State Coordinators for three states: Katsina, Jigawa and Yobe. The State Coordinators will work with project leadership to manage state-level day-to-day implementation of project activities for this five-year, internationally funded project in Northern Nigeria. The project will serve to improve female participation in the health workforce, resulting in more women health workers, higher retainment of female health workers, and increased health worker coverage in low-coverage areas. The State Coordinators will ensure timely and cost-effective project implementation, reporting of activity results, and is responsible for project deliverables. S/he will be responsible for managing relationships with partner institutions and liaising with project technical experts to provide support when needed. State Coordinators will be based out of the project’s satellite offices in Northern Nigeria.

Responsibilities

Provide leadership and strategic direction at the state level in all areas to ensure the project’s technical and financial integrity and to achieve project goals, objectives and targets.

Liaise with the central office in Abuja to ensure consistent implementation as per the project’s goals, objectives, and workplan.

Work with the central team to implement activities and ensure that the project is technically sound, evidence-based and responsive to the needs of the country, its people and donors.

Develop and maintain excellent relationships with partners and institutions in the state.

Work collaboratively with other project team members to ensure that necessary project planning, development, resource availability and management activities function smoothly and efficiently.

Work with the central team to ensure high-quality implementation, consistent with Nigeria’s national health guidelines.

Draft, edit and proofread technical materials and reports of project activities and results for the donor, including progress and annual reports.

Promote and support the dissemination of project information among the project team.

Work with the central team to develop/modify work plan including budgets with technical specialists and FA Manager.

Work with project and financial staff to prepare and track progress of project and activity budgets.

Maintain productive and consistent communication with project and technical staff.

Work with ME staff to develop ME framework and track data/results.

Work collaboratively with project and headquarters staff to assure proper financial projections, reporting, spending and compliance with project terms and conditions.

Qualifications

Advanced degree in public health or a related field

At least five years of experience in managing donor-funded projects and in the design and implementation of health projects

Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities

Excellent interpersonal, writing and oral presentation skills

Knowledge of Nigeria’s health systems, including the national Midwives Service Scheme (MSS)

Ability to work in a complex environment with multiple tasks, short deadlines and intense pressure to perform

The ability to foster team work and to work as a team member.

Willingness to live and travel within Northern Nigeria

Fluent in written and spoken English

Nigerian nationals preferred

If you are interested in any of these positions, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible, no later than 10 July 2012. Please mention in your application the State (Katsina, Yobe or Jigawa) you would be interested to work in.

All applications for this position should be submitted online at www.futuresgroup.com via the Careers page. Futures Group provides equal employment to all participants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran or marital status.